linolenic acid

noun

lin·​o·​le·​nic acid ˌli-nə-ˈlē-nik- How to pronounce linolenic acid (audio)
-ˈlā-
: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C18H30O2 found especially in drying oils (such as linseed oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

Examples of linolenic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hemp seeds also contain omega-3 and gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid that can help to decrease inflammation. — Good Housekeeping, 9 Jan. 2023 How does evening primrose oil work? Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is the key nutrient found in evening primrose oil that is beneficial when taken orally. — Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, irregular from linoleic

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of linolenic acid was in 1887

Rhymes for linolenic acid

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Browse Nearby Words

linolein
linolenic acid
linolenin
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Cite this Entry

“Linolenic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linolenic%20acid. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

linolenic acid

noun
lin·​ole·​nic acid -ˌlē-nik-, -ˌlā- How to pronounce linolenic acid (audio)
: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C18H30O2 found especially in drying oils (as linseed oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

More from Merriam-Webster on linolenic acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about linolenic acid

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